Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, , 2:47:56 to 2:51:10
Examination of internal reviews following media reporting on staff matters and the department's handling of privacy.
Topics: Workplace culture, Integrity
Speakers: Stephanie Foster, Hon Jonathon Duniam, Senator Jana Stewart, Unknown Speaker
Thank you very much, Senator Payman. Senator Dunyan.
Um without delving into the matters that may be covered under those privacy concerns you raised. Um the reporting in on ABC's Four Corners program of the October 19 episode. That that is just it's not inaccurate, it is just part of the detail. Is that your contention from what you just said?
So I really can't answer that, Senator, because I would potentially be revealing a detail which has not been revealed.
Yes, so I understand that it may be part of the detail, which is what you said before, but I'm wondering is what has been put on record accurate or inaccurate? And if you want to take it on notice, I understand that might be.
So Senator Um I said earlier um that I do not know of an instance and particularly at the SES level where I would have more visibility where we have refused to consider any flexibility. Um that's a general statement about what we have and haven't done. I am also confident that since I became secretary, we have neither initiated nor requested anyone to enter into a non-disclosure agreement. So they're just two statements of fact.
Um has there been an independent examination of the handling of this matter since the middle of October?
So Senator, I think. It's a matter of of public record that the matter was considered by the Fair Work Commission.
Yes, but there's been no so the the matter between Ms. Warner and the Department was considered by the Fair Work Commission, but in terms of process and handling, obviously, given you've had your stand up with senior managers in the department, it might be something on the minds of others. Has the department initiated or engaged in some sort of internal review to ensure that processes are adequate and appropriate?
So Senator, we've had a number of discussions as a leadership team to make sure that we are comfortable that our policies are appropriate for both the staff and for the needs of the organisation. The each individual issue is clearly handled with expert advice and I'm confident in the handling of that issue.
But no, no responsive review or anything like that. It's just a case by case we deal with them as they present.
Yes, Senator.